Don't forget!

Don't forget!
If you were following me here at Life As I Know it, you can now follow me over at my new blog, Manning the Middle!
www.manningthemiddle.com

Hope to see you over there!!

An Announcement!!

You may have noticed my posts have been rather sparse for the past few months.
Why is that, you ask?  Well, life is busy is the first reason, and the second reason is, I just wasn't feeling Life As I Know it anymore.  I still wanted to blog, I still wanted to connect with my blogger friends and readers. But at this point in my life, Life as I Know it didn't seem like the right place to do it anymore.
So here comes the announcement.

After much thought and deliberation, I decided to start a new big girl blog!
You can now find me at Manning the Middle!
My website is easy to remember...  www.manningthemiddle.com


Why Manning the Middle?  What exactly am I manning??
Well, middle age (even though 40 is the new 20!), middle class living, my ever expanding middle (waistline), the mid point between sanity and insanity where I currently reside (I joke, kind of).
We'll also talk getting physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy, the ups and downs of motherhood and marriage, and of course, lots of fun stuff like Friday Favorites!

So, I hope you will join me at my new home on the internet!
Subscribe, follow me on bloglovin, or just stop by every once in a while!
I can't wait to see you over there!

www.manningthemiddle.com

Friday Favorites..The busy time

I'm officially deeming the next 2 months as "the busy time."  We've got 1 kid in travel soccer, another in Tball, Mother's and Father's day activities, Memorial Day, field trips, and the end of the school year.   We are busy little bees here!  Thank goodness for my planner or I'd be lost!

Although we're super busy, we're also having lots of FUN!  Here are a few favorites from the past couple weeks.

1.  4 year olds playing Tball
The cuteness is rivaled only by 4 year olds playing soccer!

2. Soccer
Indoor soccer is fine, but I'm glad the outdoor season has started up.  There's just something that excites me about outdoor games!  My son has made so much progress in the last few months.  It's a joy to watch his games!

3.  Anniversary trip
Remember how I said it's the busy time? Well, we were able to squeeze in a quick overnight to Lake Placid to celebrate our 15 year anniversary .  And when I say squeeze, I mean it!  We left from a T ball game on Saturday and stopped along the way home for a soccer game on Sunday.  Even though it was a brief get away, we still had a great time and got some much needed R&R.

4.  Anniversary flowers
How gorgeous are these?  I didn't even know they could write on flowers!  Hubby did good :)

5. Wonderful Luciana
So I've considered getting a house cleaner several times, but never pulled the trigger.  I didn't really know if it was worth the money, and honestly the thought of it made me feel like a bit of a failure (why can't I stay on top of cleaning my own home??).  Well, I got over all that and hired Luciana and I'm so glad I did!  We are only having her come once a month, but she does all the deep cleaning I never get around to (couldn't even tell you the last time my baseboards and blinds were cleaned before we had Luciana!) which allows me to just "maintain" our home between her visits.  It has been wonderful and has actually relieved some of my stress!  100% worth the money!  So if you've been on the fence about hiring a house cleaner, I encourage you to DO IT!  We all deserve a Luciana in our lives!

I hope you all have a super weekend and some gorgeous weather!  We've got Tball on Friday followed by a fun Cinco de Mayo dinner with friends, some outdoor home projects on Saturday and soccer on Sunday. That is, if the rain holds out!  Fingers crossed!

Linking up with Andrea, Erika and Narci!

Friday Favorites!

It's been a while since I've linked up with Andrea, Erika and Narci for Friday Favorites, so I'm extra excited to be here today!  I would also like to say that a Friday UNFAVORITE is that we are supposed to get 3-5 inches of snow today!  All the snow from the last storm hasn't even melted yet!  You know I love winter, but I am soo over it right now.  It's almost April and I am ready for spring!

But on to the favorites!

Number 1:  Girls weekend!
My friend Amy and I took a little trip to Newport, RI this past weekend.  We shopped, got massages, relaxed, and ate way too much delicious food.  It was perfect!   We also enjoyed "high tea" which is something I've always wanted to do!

Number 2: A good book (or 2)

I have read some good books this week!  I stayed up way too late finishing them and almost fell asleep at my desk, but it was worth it!  Tuesday night I read Everything We Keep and Wednesday it was After I Do.  When I get into a good book, I just can't put it down!

Number 3: This.  

Number 4:  And this.
Because FOR REAL Y'ALL.

Number 5: These Easy USA flip flops

Who doesn't like rhinestones and flowers?!  I think these are super cute!  If you love 'em too, check out the Amazon link RIGHT HERE.

Number 6:  A new wreath

I just love this Easter wreath I got from At Home.  It looks much better and brighter in person than it does in the picture.  And speaking of At Home, how have I lived without this store for 40 years??  And how did I not know they opened one 20 minutes from me??  

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my favorites of the week!  I hope your weekend is fabulous!   We've got soccer games, some home organization projects, and then a date night planned for my hubby's birthday...a couples massage and dinner at a Brazilian restaurant!

xo

What's up Wednesday!

Linking with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel today for What's up Wednesday!!

What I'm.....

Eating:  Do you love skinnytaste.com as much as I do?  This week I made the skillet chicken cordon bleu and OH MY it was delish! 

http://www.skinnytaste.com/skillet-chicken-cordon-bleu/

Loving:  That Nick is reading in bed at night.  I love that my boy is finding joy in reading!

Dreading: The potential snow we may be getting on Friday.

Working On:  Hiring a cleaning person.  I’m pulling the trigger!  

Excited About:  Some fun girls’ nights in the works.  We’ve got a casino night planned, and a day trip to NYC to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

Reading:  Last night I read Everything We Keep and I LOVED it.  I’ve seen mixed reviews...it seems like you either love it or hate it.  This book kept me interested right from the first sentence (which is a rarity)!  If you haven’t read it, I suggest you pick it up!

Next up on my list is After I Do.  Anyone read it??

via http://www.kerrylonsdale.com

  

Watching:  Well, we are all caught up on the Walking Dead, so now we are watching old Twin Peaks episodes in preparation for the re-boot coming out!  And next week, Better Call Saul starts back up.  Woo hoo!!

Doing this weekend:  Soccer games, then a night out with the hubby for his birthday.  We’re doing a couples’ massage and dinner at a Brazilian restaurant.

Looking forward to next month:  Easter!  And hopefully some warmer weather.  I know I said I love winter, but I am ready for it to be over!  No more snow please!!!

Royally Waiting!

Today I am super excited to be linking up Shelly, Holly and Katy for their ROYALLY WAITING link up!

 Currently, I am....

Waiting on:  My husband to paint the upstairs!  I’ve only been waiting 5 years, but he says he’s going to do it in the next couple of weeks (because I threatened to hire a painter).  We shall see!  I’m getting real tired of my master bedroom being boring white.

Thinking about:  All the snow out there.  Holy cow.  We got about 18 inches yesterday, but that’s nothing compared to what my parents got... over 30 inches!!  That’s a lot of snow, people!

Also... about hiring a cleaner.  Once the upstairs finally gets painted, I’m doing it.  I just can’t keep up with it.  I work full time, have 2 young kids, and much of our weekends are taken up with sports.  There just isn’t enough time in the day for me to do that deep cleaning that needs to get done.  NOW... to find someone reliable and trustworthy!

Going:  To Rhode Island next weekend with my girlfriend!  No hubbys, no kids.  Just relaxation, massages, eating, drinking, and shopping!

Reading:  Getting ready to read And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer.  Just gotta get my tissues ready!

Planning:  An overnight trip for our anniversary in May.  15 years!!

Wearing:  Boots and scarves!!  It’s been cold here!

Loving:  The extra hour of daylight in the evening!  Not loving:  Getting up an hour earlier than I was a week ago! 

Drinking:  Water.  Yup, I’m trying.  Also Starbucks Chai Tea Latte.

Watching:  Walking Dead!  We are finally current and now I am sad there are no more episodes to binge watch!  We actually have to WAIT until Sunday for a new episode! 

Thanks for stopping by!  Come back soon! 

What's up Wednesday!

Linking up with Mel, Shay and Shaeffer today for their What's Up Wednesday series!

Here's what we're.....

EATING:  I'm finishing up my Home Chef box.  So far, it's been a winner!  I've tried Hello Fresh and Home Chef, and I think I prefer Home Chef.  The meal selections are just more in line with what I like.
Want $30 off your first box??  Just use my referral link!
https://www.homechef.com/invite/jp8B2towQ40E

REMINISCING ABOUT:  Our trip to Disney.   A few of my friends are at Disney right now for winter break, and I have to admit, I am jealous!

LOVING:  These warmer temps.  It's going to be 61 here tomorrow!  I've had my snow, now bring on spring!

BEEN UP TO:  Lots of soccer tournaments, birthday parties, and pinning!

DREADING:  Cleaning.  The boys' rooms are disasters!

WORKING ON:  My Happiness Lists journal.  If you don't have one, grab one!

EXCITED ABOUT:  Going to the movies with Nick today to see Lego Batman.

WATCHING/READING:  Watching- lots and lots of Walking Dead!  We've been binge watching on Netflix and are on Season 6.  What a great show!    Reading- Getting ready to read "The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper."    

LISTENING TO:  80's and 90's tunes.  Nothing current on the radio is striking my fancy right now.

WEARING:  Some new Lularoe pieces I picked up, and Old Navy.  I go in phases with Old Navy.  As in, I don't like a thing they have for several years, and then I love them.  Right now, I'm loving them again.

DOING THIS WEEKEND:  Soccer (of course), cleaning, dinner out, and maybe a day trip to see the in-laws.  

LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:  Trip to Newport, RI with one of my besties!  We are staying at an awesome hotel and will be hitting the spa, shopping, and eating our faces off!  I can't wait!

www.hotelviking.com

WHAT ELSE IS NEW:  I've got our spring and summer family trips planned.  We'll be heading to Great Wolf Lodge, Wildwood, and Maine this year.  Can't wait!

Your Facebook posts are annoying me

Did your Facebook feed get clogged up with pictures of flowers on Valentine’s day?  With girls saying things like, “I’m so lucky!  I’m so spoiled!  What a great man I have!  My honey is the best!”  Did you find it completely annoying and over the top?  I might have.

Now if I’m being honest, YES I have posted pictures of flowers I’ve received in the past.  They may have even been Valentine’s day flowers.  And also if I’m being honest, I love Valentine’s day!  I love the little cards, I love the hearts, I love the chocolate covered strawberries, and I love the whole idea of celebrating the people you love.  But, enough is enough.  It’s time for a little dose of reality friends.

Do you truly think you are “lucky” because your significant other gave you roses on a day when the expectation is you give your significant other roses?   A day where it is basically mandated you give your lady a gift?  Why is that lucky?  Why does that make you spoiled?  Why does that make your man amazing?  He didn’t buy you those flowers out of the kindness of his heart.  He bought them because it is DICTATED he do so on February 14th.  And because if he didn’t, there will be hell to pay (my husband got me NOTHING for our 1^st Vday as a married couple and I went nuts on him.  In his defense, we did move into our house that weekend but still....).

What I think makes you lucky is having a man who respects you, cares for you, and takes care of you.  A man who will cook dinner when you’re too tired (or at least pays for the take out), runs the kids to practice when you want to stay late a work or go to the gym, a man who will put a blanket over you if you fall asleep on the couch so you don’t get cold.  A man who brings you Starbucks at work because he knows you are having a bad day.  A man who sends you flowers on some random day to say thank you for being a great mom and wife.  A guy who is honest and dependable.  Who listens to you and respects you. 

I don’t begrudge those ladies that got those beautiful bouquets on Valentine’s day.  Who wouldn’t want those gorgeous flowers?  I just hope those “lucky” girls are lucky for the right reasons.  Having a man give you a dozen long stemmed roses on February 14^th might make you happy for the day, but how is he treating you on February 13^th and 15^th?  What about June 16^th?  That’s what’s important.  That’s what matters. 

Oh, and while we are talking Facebook posts, let me just ask a question.  Why are you posting on Facebook how much you loooove your man and tagging him in the post, when you live in the same house together???  You live together, can’t you just walk into the living room and tell him that?  Or gosh, if it’s that hard to get up, just text him.  But why the obsession with everyone on FB knowing how in love you are?   Am I right?

Thanks for listening to my Tuesday Talk!  I feel so much better now!  :)

P.S. All the political posts are annoying me too!  Just post pics of your kids and cute puppies from now on please!  And maybe hot fireman.  Yeah, hot fireman are OK too.

A quick catch-you-up

I was almost scared to pull up the blog this morning and see just how long it's been since my last post!  Yup, it's been a while.  

So let's catch you up on life around here!

We've had 2 birthday parties:

We've had fun in the snow:

We've played lots of soccer:

Had a mother-son brunch date:

Yearly checkups:

I've worked on my happiness lists and read lots of Liane Moriarty books:

And got out for a fun girls night:

We had a fun family Valentine's dinner at Cracker Barrel (nothing says romance like Cracker Barrel!  Hahaha), made heart cookies for pre-school, wrote out tons of Valentines cards and put together goodie bags!  I also got a lovely necklace from my hubby which I've been wearing non-stop.

And that pretty much catches you up!  This week the kids are off school.  They'll spend a couple days at their Grandparents and Wednesday I'll be taking Nick and a friend to see the Lego Batman movie.  Wish me luck!

I hope 2017 has treated you all well so far!  The countdown to spring is on!  Woo hoo! I can't wait for some green grass, daffodils and tulips!

I do plan on posting this week, so please be sure to stop by again soon!

Sometimes we just need a break

Last week was tough in mom land.  My nearly 7 year old has taken a liking to arguing with us about EVERYTHING from what his bedtime is, to wearing a long sleeved shirt to school, to whether or not he is in fact chasing his brother around the house (he was).  We tell him to stop talking back, he shrieks, I'M NOOOOOOT!"  FYI son, that's exactly what I'm talking about.  There have been some major meltdowns over Legos, allegedly ill-fitting socks, what he's bringing for class snack, and homework ("Just because there IS homework in my homework folder doesn't mean I have to DO homework!").  The simplest of things seem to have become a debate or a negotiation (Me:  Bedtime in 5 minutes!  Him:  No, 6!  Me:  Bath time!  Him: No!  Tomorrow!).  I felt like every single conversation with him resulted in an argument and/or me or my husband yelling.  Despite the fighting and yelling, he and his brother still found time to follow me to the bathroom, follow me outside and follow me to the kitchen.  As soon as I walked in the door, they demanded snacks (hello, they had been home with their father for 45 minutes before I got there.... why am I the only one who can get them snacks?), demanded dinner, demanded I find this or that.  When I finally got a chance to sit down, they literally sat right on top me.  Why, when there is plenty of open couch space, do they insist on sitting on ME?  The name mom was spoken (shrieked, cried, yelled) no less than 18,000,000 times in the span of 3 hours.  By the time bedtime hit, I was stressed, emotional and exhausted.  I just wanted some SPACE.  I wanted to lay in my bed in the quiet and enjoy the softness and security of my pillow and blankets.  So when I went to get into bed and saw my little one laying there in MY spot (OK'd by my husband), I started to cry.

I was completely overwhelmed last week.

Usually when I feel overwhelmed, it is quickly followed by guilt.
Why can't I handle this better?
Why am I yelling at my kids like that?
I am a terrible mother.
Why don't my kids wear cute matching outfits, cook me breakfast and read books in bed together like my friend Jenna's daughters do on Facebook?

And you know what the answer is?  I'm human.  And I need to un-friend Jenna (just kidding Jenna).

It is OK to get overwhelmed.  It is OK to cry. And yes, it is OK if you yell at your kids sometimes. Because you're human (and sometimes, they just really deserve it)! What you need to remember is, you can't take care of others until you take care of yourself.  When you are stressed, or overwhelmed, or just have nothing left to give, STOP and take care of YOU.   Better yet, take care of you before that all happens!  I'll admit, this is a hard one for me.  I feel bad taking time for myself.  I feel guilty.  I feel like that is not being a good mother.  But the truth is, I can't be a good mother unless I am first a good ME.

This past weekend my parents took the kids overnight.  I read, I relaxed, I napped.  My husband and I went out to breakfast and binge watched The Walking Dead.  It was bliss.  It was just what I needed.  And yesterday when the kids came home, I was back on my game.

Sometimes, we just need a little break.  I know that's not always easy and at times, seems impossible.  But I tell you, you need it.  It could be a solo trip to Target.  A quick work out at the gym.  A long, hot bath behind a locked door (and give your husband and children strict orders you are not to be disturbed).  A walk outside.  Meeting a friend for coffee.  A quick drive with the radio blaring your favorite songs.  A trip to the library (oh, the sweet silence of the library!).  It doesn't have to be a weekend away (although that is certainly nice!).  It can just be an hour or two escape to re-group and revitalize your mommy soul.   Don't have time?  Can't fit it in?  YES YOU DO and YES YOU CAN.  Make time.  Pencil, no PEN yourself into your planner.   Schedule time for YOU.  Even if it's 10 minutes a day just to sit quietly with yourself and be able to hear your thoughts. Or 10 minutes to sit quietly with yourself and think about absolutely nothing.  You can do it!  Challenge yourself to do it!  It's OK to take a break sometimes.

Friday Favorites

Friday!  It's here, it's really here!  Was this the longest week ever or what??

Before I dive into my favorites, I have a little confession.  My Christmas tree is still up!  Am I the only one?  Please tell me I'm not.  I also still have my outside Christmas lights on.  My plan is to take care of all that this weekend.  Wish me luck!

OK, now onto the favorites.  

I saw this on Facebook and I'm absolutely sure someone made this especially for me. Oh my gosh, this is me to a tee!  I am getting this sign!!

Another gem from Facebook this week.... Yummm...whiskey sours!

This guy turning 4 was also a favorite.  Love this little man with all my heart!

I may have also celebrated a birthday, although I can't say that in itself was a favorite.   Nor was the fact that my fondue plans got cancelled due to a stomach bug and a winter storm.  BUT, what WAS my favorite was this amazing chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting my husband got for me from Coccadots.  OMG it was heavenly! 

Are you a fan of New Year's Eve?  Honestly, I usually am not.  This year we decided to take the kids to Dave and Busters instead of just sitting home or finding a babysitter and going out solo.  And you know what, we all had so much fun!  It is probably my favorite New Year's Eve in recent memory.  I'm so glad we went!  

Ok, my last favorite may seem kind of weird.   I was leaving for work the other morning and saw all these turkeys on my neighbors lawn.  Isn't that cool?  I mean, there's just something so fun about a flock of turkeys  (or maybe that's just me)!

Well there you have it...my first Friday Favorites of 2017!  Now it's onto the weekend.  We've got a busy one coming up! Saturday A has soccer,  and N has a soccer game AND he is starting karate back up.  Then Sunday is A's birthday party.  And of course somewhere in there I need to take those pesky Christmas decorations down!

What do you have on tap this weekend?

Linking up with Andrea at Momfessionals

And